Launch Reports
Remember that day you launched that four motor cluster? Nah, me neither. That’s why Jeff Coons (and friends) have this page, to remind us of all the great launches we’ve had!
February 24th Mill Springs Launch Report
On a record-breaking warm February afternoon at the Mill Springs launch event there were twenty-four participants who launched a total of seventy-eight rockets. Steady breezes from the south kept directing recoveries mostly down the length of the field, but as usual there were a few rockets that did not go home at the end of the day. Regardless of this challenge there were many great flights with successful recoveries that included two-stage and some mid-power launches.
Steve Bellio successfully launched and recovered his LOC EZI-65 on a G75-4M and sent up his Estes Partizon on an E40-4T and an Estes Mammoth on an E20-4W. Nicolas got to send up his two-stage Estes Loadstar twice with B6-0/B6-4 combinations and Andrew Chong launched an Estes Mongoose with a B6-0/A8-5. Some other impressive first flights included Izzy’s Estes Mosquito on a 1/4A3-3T (yes, it was recovered), Kate’s Estes Sky Writer on a A8-3, Roman’s Mercury Redstone on a C6-5 and Jacob’s Estes QCC Explorer powered by a D12-5.
We had many family members cheering those who were launching and other folks coming by just to check out the action while enjoying a warm Spring-like day. Event photos by Kevin Boyd
Motor Ignition Counts:
- 1/4A – 2
- 1/2A – 2
- A – 18
- B – 29
- C – 14
- D – 8
- E – 6
- F – 1
- G – 1
January Dawsonville Launch Report
Despite a weather forecast of afternoon rain, there were twelve eager participants who arrived at the launch site in Dawsonville to accomplish thirty-six launches. SoAR members were joined by a rocketry group from Atlanta Classical Academy who flew two-stage Dynastar AeroDactyl rockets on E16-0 / E16-6 combination with very impressive results. Other standouts included Kevin Scholberg’s scratch-built upscale Nike X powered by a two E12-4 cluster for a beautiful flight skyward and a salvaged Estes Photon Disruptor loaded with a D21-4T for a seemingly instantaneous apogee and then successfully recovered. Another multi-stage included Miles’ Estes Mini Comanche 3 on A10-0/A10-0/A10-3 and for impressive mid-power action Dan launched his LOC IRIS on a F37-6. Later in the afternoon, the increasing amount of precipitation falling from the sky (or was it the cows… it may have actually been the cows) brought the event to an early end. Photos from the Launch
Motor Ignition Counts:
- A – 3
- B – 8
- C – 9
- D – 5
- E – 13
- F – 4
December 16th Civil Air Patrol Cadet Launch Report
The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Launch event at Chattahoochee Pointe Park in Suwanee had twenty-six participants launch sixty-five rockets on a very comfortable December afternoon. The field dimensions were good for low-power, but a bit challenging for mid-power flights even with mild winds. Adjacent fields and many other open areas with smaller trees allowed some flexibility for recoveries.
Club members arrived early to try out the field and were soon joined by the Civil Air Patrol Cadets who had good success in launching their Alpha IIIs with B6-4s. David Cain got everyone’s attention by launching his Estes Mega Der Red Max on a G53-5J Smoke and Lee Childers sent up his Estes Goblin on an E9-8 then later on an E15-7 with streamer recovery and flew some of his helicopter recovery creations that are fun to watch. Kevin Scholberg’s Orange Web flown with an F15-0 performed very well as did his Estes Mammoth on a E16-4. Keith Frazier got all creative with a scratch-built No Name rocket that he flew multiple test flights, then loaded it with a cluster of B6-4 and two A10-0T motors.
The event wrapped up at 5:00 and the Cadets helped take down and pack-up the launch equipment. A few event photos here.
Motor Ignition Counts:
- A – 17
- B – 31
- C – 13
- D – 2
- E – 4
- F – 1
- G – 1
November 11th Mill Springs Launch Report
Before the Noon launch event began, Jorge setup and supported a special morning event for Cub Scout Pack 135, Roswell Georgia. The Pack launched seventy-four rockets into a chilly morning sky. By Noon as the Cub Scouts were wrapping up, our regular club members began arriving at the field and preparing their rockets. The day warmed up and the winds became varied from light to moderate and kept mostly directed down the length of the field. During the afternoon fourteen participants launched fifty-three rockets, spools, and spinners.
Lee Childers flew a unique Apogee Gyro Chaser that performed very well on multiple A10-3T flights and had a sleek scratch-built Mach1 that saw two launches on a C11-3 and one on a D12-5 all launched from a special built rail guide. Roy Green loaded-up the pads with very unique looking designs including Odd’l Rockets Pigasus, New Way’s Geometric, and FlisKits Praetor all powered by B4-2s. Dave dusted-off his Estes Vega from the 1970s and sent it up on a beautiful flight with a B6-4. Hunter successfully flew and retrieved a two stage Estes Solar Flare on a B6-0 booster and a A3-4T sustainer. Event Photos
Engine ignition counts (does not include Cub Scout launches):
1/2A – 3
A – 18
B – 20
C – 6
D – 4
E – 6
October 14th Mill Springs Launch Event Report
On a very comfortable Fall day there were thirty-four participants who came out to launch 109 rockets at the SoAR October 14th Mill Springs Launch Event. There was a steady pace of rockets being placed on the pads throughout the event and a very interesting variety of scale and sport models both large and teeny tiny as well as new and old.
Those who came out to watch the action got thrilled by Steve Bellio’s Estes Partizon roaring off the pad on a F44-4W and John Phelps Estes Mammoth powered by a E20-4. Kevin Scholberg’s Art Applewhite 10” Saucer on a F15-0 was another crowd pleaser as was the return of his 7.5 foot tall Estes Dude that went somewhat skyward somewhat sideward on a D12-3.
On a smaller note we had Justin Moore’s Estes Mosquito doing a disappearing act on a 1/2A3-4T, and even smaller were the tiny Micromax rockets that Kevin showcased. Ron Stancil brought out and flew a very nice selection of small scale models like the Edmonds Gemini, Mercury Redstone, and one beautiful flight of his scratch-built Little Joe on a B6-4. Ron also successfully flew and recovered an Estes Mini Comanche 3 on an A10-0T/A10-0T/A3-4T three stage boost. Another standout was John Lawrence’s Thrustline Arapahoe E that he flew on a C11-5.
The event also included a contest held by Coyote Rocketry (participants predicting altitudes for two launches of an Estes Photon Disruptor flown on a D21-4T).
Check out some of the action in these event photos.
Motor Ignition Count:
- Micromax – 1
- 1/4A – 2
- 1/2A – 2
- A – 22
- B – 30
- C – 33
- D – 11
- E – 11
- F – 3
September 23rd Dawsonville Launch Event Report
At SoAR’s first 2017 Fall launch in Dawsonville we had thirty-seven participants launch 112 rockets. Light easterly winds, a few puffy clouds, and summertime temperatures made for ideal conditions to encourage many to reach for the highest altitudes at our mid-power field. Bill provided and also setup a new sound system which proved to be very effective in keeping the participants and spectators well informed of all activities out on the pads.
Some of those soaring highest were Frank Patton’s Estes Ascender two stage flight powered by F15-0 to E8-7 combination, Kevin Scholberg’s Dee Dee Ramone launching with a D12-0 booster then sustained by a D12-7, Allison Cooksey launched a two stage Estes Flying Colors on a D12-0 to C6-7, and Bob Taylor also used this same combination for his Estes Firestorm.
From a craftsman perspective Monica flew her scratch-built and steampunked Steampipe successfully on a G77 and scratch built and battle-ready Suraco on a G79W. Lee Childers won a design contest with his outstanding recreation of the Estes Black Hole Space Probe that he flew on a C6-3. Joe Burley brought out a Mad Cow Cheese spool shaped vehicle and entertained us with a rare Estes Death Star that, by design, breaks apart at apogee.
Thanks to Coyote Rocketry who arrived to provide those most often needed supplies to keep rockets launching and rocketeers hydrated. At the end of the event a few rumbles of thunder in the mountains to the north accompanied the take-down crew and put a fitting end to a very successful launch event. Event Photos
Motor ignition counts:
- 1/2A – 1
- A – 9
- B – 9
- C – 31
- D – 14
- E – 27
- F – 16
- G – 9
September 9th Mill Springs Launch Report
The September 9th Mill Springs Launch had twenty-seven participants launch eighty-one rockets. Comfortable temperatures and sunny blue skies prevailed throughout the event; although there were gusty winds, these were directed down the length of the field which kept almost all recoveries just an easy walk.
Most participants took few risks with reasonable motor selections, but not all. Lee Childers took an Estes Alpha III to maximum altitude with a D10-5 and then brisk upper-level winds proceeded to take the little Alpha far afield. Glenn Harper also considered his LOC Graduator expendable and selected a G74-6 for its thrilling ride and a long drift down to the lower edge of the field just out of reach. With better success Kevin Scholberg fired off his LOC Arcas powered by a F44-4w and Steve Bellio had his Raven launched with a F50-4T. We also enjoyed seeing James fire off his three-stage Estes Mini Commanche with a successful recovery. These were great spectator launches.
Also of interest were some older rockets making their way back out to the field. Kevin Scholberg launched a Centuri Mercury Redstone on a C6-3 and his Estes Sizzler Classic (rear chute ejection worked wonderfully) on a C6-3. Roy Green loaded a scratch built Mercury Little Joe on the pad and launched it with a C6-3 as well. It was a very successful day with lots of other cool stuff to watch as always. Event Photos by Kevin Boyd
Motor Ignition Counts:
- 1/2A – 2
- A – 13
- B – 24
- C – 22
- D – 12
- E – 7
- F – 2
- G – 1
August 12th Mill Springs Launch Report
The August 12th launch event at Mill Springs had twenty-eight participants launch eighty-three rockets. Following a few days of scattered showers, the day turned out to be mostly calm with favorable winds and partly cloudy skies, although heat and humidity was a factor later in the afternoon.
Special spare part creations that were started at the Thursday SoAR meeting arrived at the field for flight testing. Competing for honors were Glenn’s Loopy Larry’s Aerobatic + Snake Oil, Jorge’s I Don’t Know, Bill’s Katie, and Jeff’s Lil’ Hoss. Glenn’s entry lived up to its name and failed flight qualification loopily as did Jeff’s Lil’ Hoss that remained perched and unrecoverable. Both Katie and I Don’t Know had successful qualifying flights and in the end the marvelously creative and striking rocket named Katie won the event.
Also of interest was Mike Nehez’s sleek looking scratch built IQSY Tomahawk flown on a B6-4 then a C6-5 and Russell Puryear’s LOC Onyx that streaked skyward on an E30-6. Tom Kinard flew his Estes Ventris on a E16-4 and an Estes Leviathan on a F27-4R. Linda took her Estes Big Daddy up on a C11-3, then higher on a D12-5, then higher on a F40 and I believe that was the end of that. Michael Shimer brought a couple of Space X Falcon 9s and had four successful flights on D12-5s. All-in-all much fun, action, and many successful flights. See these Event Photos
Motor Ignition counts:
- 1/2A – 4
- A – 14
- B – 28
- C – 14
- D – 17
- E – 6
- F – 2
July 8th Mill Springs Launch Event Report
On a typical midsummer day where relentless heat and humidity came early and spent the day at the July 8th Mill Springs Launch Event there were thirty-seven rocket enthusiasts ready to launch ninety-one rockets and saucers. We had many first-timers who braved the heat to come out and watch, learn, and participate in an exciting day of rocketry.
Of special interest was Gabe’s version of Robert Goddard’s “Nell”. From history (March 16, 1926), Goddard’s rocket rose just 41 feet during a 2.5-second flight that ended 184 feet away in a cabbage field. Gabe’s Nell had a similar albeit shortened flight on a B6-4 (minus the cabbage patch). His Sputnik on a A10-3T and scratch built Gyroc (flown by Chris) on a A8-3 performed very nicely. Steve Bellio had an impressive flight of his PML Amraam 2 on a F42-4T and got everyone’s attention with the Pyramid of Doom flown with a G75-4M but I believe this time will be remaining at field for now. Glenn Harper also had an outstanding flight of his LOC “Expendable” on a F36 which arrived back safely mid-field while Keith Frazier took an Estes Mammoth and built a F15-0/F15-8 chad for a one-way flight path somewhere way west.
From a craftsman standpoint we were wowed by Kevin Boyd’s beautifully detailed Xarconian Cruiser that was flown successfully on a C6-3 and Sara C. flew a nicely decorated Princess Rocket on a B6-4 that went straight off the pad and easily recovered. Eric Wilfert’s DRM (Der Red Max) was also impressive on the pad and got a good workout with five flights on B6-4s and B4-2s. Event Photos by Kevin Boyd
Motor Ignition Counts:
- 1/4A – 1
- A – 21
- B – 35
- C – 24
- D – 4
- E – 2
- F – 4
- G – 1
June 10th Mill Springs Launch Report
Light winds and summertime temperatures helped bring out thirty-six participants to launch 123 rockets at the SoAR June Launch event at Mill Springs. Activity at the pads was steady throughout the day. Jacob Schwartz filled the skies with rocket boosted gliders by launching his Estes Astron Skydart II with a C6-3 and a B6-2 as well as a simultaneous launch of his Fliskits Tri-Glide (three gliders) on a C6-5 and an Estes Shuttle Express (two gliders) on a C6-3. Steve Bellio got his LOC EZI-65 to roar off the pad with a G75-4M, got in two flights of his Estes Partizon with F44-4Ws, and sent his 9” Pyramid of Doom downfield on a G77-4R. Kevin Boyd flew his LOC Star Fighter on a E30-4 and his Estes QCC Explorer on a D12-5 – always beautiful going up.
Coyote Rocketry was in attendance to help keep everyone in good supply of engines and to provide refreshment for the many participants and family members who got thirsty. During this event we also had a Bullpup contest that had some outstanding entries and was judged for overall construction detail and accuracy as well as a required successful flight and recovery (needs write-up).
Check out these event photos by Kevin Boyd
Motor ignition counts:
- 1/2A – 4
- A – 6
- B – 60
- C – 31
- D – 15
- E – 2
- F – 3
- G – 2